Impedance spectroscopy, with its roots extending over a century, remains a cornerstone technique in the characterization of material properties. Despite its extensive history, the inter- pretation of impedance data has often been fraught with challeng...
Impedance spectroscopy, with its roots extending over a century, remains a cornerstone technique in the characterization of material properties. Despite its extensive history, the inter- pretation of impedance data has often been fraught with challenges, with models frequently prioritizing curve fitting over a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms and material properties. A significant contributor to the problem is the over-reliance on the Constant Phase Element (CPE), which can obscure the true characteristics of the materials under investigation. This thesis addresses these critical issues, motivated by the necessity for more accurate and insightful impedance analysis. The scope of this research encompasses the characterization and modeling of impedance behavior across a diverse range of materials, including mixed electronic-ionic conductors, solid, liquid, and polymer electrolytes, as well as human body segments. By developing physics-based impedance models, this work aims to deliver a more thorough and precise understanding of these materials, thereby enhancing the reliability and applicability of impedance spectroscopy in material science. This dissertation investigates the electrical properties of mixed ionic-electronic conductors (MIECs) and human body segments through systematic in-situ impedance analysis. The primary focus is on cathode materials such as lithium vanadium phosphate (LVP) and sodium vanadium phosphate (NVP), exploring their charge transport mechanisms, phase transitions, and tempera- ture influences. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) confirmed the successful synthesis and phase transitions, respectively. The study applies the transmission line model (TLM) to elucidate temperature-dependent parameters, providing insights into the ionic and electronic conductivities of NVP and LVP. Similarly, as for the ions and electrons in mixed conductors, Nernst-Planck flux model can be applied for cation and anion in liquid and polymer electrolytes for batteries. PEO:LiTFSI electrolyte is found to have Li+ transference number abound 0.1 independent of the temperature. The transference number of 1 M LiPF6 in EC/DMC increases with temperature from 0.01 at 10 °C to 0.25 at 60 °C. While the solid electrolytes like LLZO and LLTO have lithium transference number 1, electronic conduction is known to become substantial at grain boundaries to form dendrites. Heuristic modeling of temperature-dependent LLZO impedance is assisted by Python algorithms. Additionally, the research extends to biological impedance analysis, particularly in human body segments. Utilizing principles of porous electrode theory and the Nernst-Planck flux model for body solution within the transmission line framework, as for the battery liquid electrolytes, the study offers an innovative approach to understanding the complex impedance behavior of human body segments. The integration of stray capacitance in automated Keithley channel circuitry simulations revealed an average stray capacitance with mode-dependent variations. This incorporation improved the accuracy of impedance simulations, although challenges in merging high-frequency stray effects with analytical functions were noted. The work further employs Python simulations, based on Miran Gaberšček’s matrix tools, to enhance visualization and understanding of body fluid dynamics. The Nernst-Planck theory is applied to explain fluid distribution variations, with simulations corroborating the model’s accuracy. Despite the time-intensive nature of individual EIS data simulation, the study under- scores the need for developing approximate analytical models to efficiently analyze extensive impedance databases.